Language/Xhosa/Grammar/Negation

Xhosa Grammar - Negation

Hi Xhosa learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on negation in Xhosa. Being able to use negative forms is essential for communication. It is also a rich aspect of Xhosa grammar as it involves a complex structure of particles and verbs. Don't worry, we will take it step-by-step and illustrate each point with cultural information and interesting facts.

Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Pronouns, Questions, Plurals & Give your Opinion.

Negation particles

In Xhosa, negating a sentence involves particles that are placed before the verb. The negation particle depends on the tense and aspect of the verb. Here are the common negative particles:

Particle	Example	Translation
ang	Angiqali	I am not going
-i	Angiqali	I am not going
-azi	Andiqazi utshwala	I don't know beer
-angi	Andiqangi utshwala	I haven't had beer
-ingi	Andisingi utshwala	I don't like beer

For example, to negate the present tense verb "qala" (to start), we use "ang" or "-i":

• uMa qala ukudlala ibhola. (My mother starts to play soccer.)
• uMa angaqali ukudlala ibhola. (My mother doesn't start to play soccer.)

You can notice that "ang" also means "won't" or "will not" as in the following sentence:

• Andizange ndiqale. (I will never start.)
• Andiqali. (I won't start.)

Negation of copular verbs

Copular verbs are the ones that link the subject to the complement, such as "to be" or "to seem". In Xhosa, to negate copular verbs, we use "anga" + subject + verb:

• Ndoda waziswa. (The man is known.)
• Indoda ayikho. (The man is not here.)
• Uyazi impawu zeqhaza? (Do you know the cause of the fire?)
• Andiyazi. (I don't know.)

Negative concords

Negative concord is a linguistic phenomenon where more than one negative element is used in a sentence, which does not necessarily imply a positive meaning. In Xhosa, negative concord is used to emphasize the negation of a verb or to express a stronger denial. Here are some examples:

• Andikho ndiphumeleli kakhulu. (I am not not successful.)
• Andiyi nto ndiyikhathazi. (I don't fear nothing.)
• Andisayi kufumana umsebenzi. (I will not not get a job.)

Negative imperatives

To make a negative imperative (command), we use "m" + negative particle + verb:

• Mangingaphumeleli. (Don't be successful.)
• Musayi kufumana umsebenzi. (Don't get a job.)

Dialogue

• Betty: Awu Phum, uthetha isiXhosa kanjani? (Hey Phum, how do you speak Xhosa?)
• Phum: Ndisathetha isiXhosa kakuhle kodwa andiyazi ukulungisa ngokwengqondo. (I speak Xhosa well but I don't know how to correct grammatically.)
• Betty: Hau, wena ungaphumi ngathi! (Wow, you're not hopeless like that!)
• Phum: Hayi, angaqali! (No, I'm not!)

Conclusion

Negation in Xhosa may seem complex at first sight, but with practice and cultural immersion, you will master it easily. Remember that grammar is just a means of communication, not an end in itself. You can improve your Xhosa grammar also using the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! For more Xhosa Grammar topics, check our page.

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Xhosa Grammar | LEARN101.ORG
• Negative concord and nominal licensing in Xhosa and Zulu

Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Conditional Mood, Future Tense & How to Use Have.

Other Lessons

• How to Use Have
• Conditional Mood
• Pronouns
• Plurals
• Adjectives
• Questions
• Future Tense
• Give your Opinion